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So, just what can Obama accomplish with his choice of Souter’s replacement?
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It has been nearly 15 years since a Democratic president nominated a justice to the Supreme Court. And in the always fractious Democratic tribe, political, cultural, economic and geographic constituencies have been waiting more than 5,000 days to get their due.

Yet for all the potential pitfalls – and there are many – that surround a presidential pick for the high court, few actions carry more opportunities to impact policy, to shape a legacy or to solidify political support that may be crucial to the legislative agenda.

With David Souter’s surprising decision to retire, President Obama now faces the risk of antagonizing multiple power centers within the Democratic party – but he also has the chance to put his imprint on the court, further hone his image in the minds of the public and bind wayward Democrats closer to him.

So, just what can Obama accomplish with his choice of Souter’s replacement?

Appearing competent

Choosing Supreme Court nominees has brought out the worst in a number of administrations – and both parties have shared in the fun.

President Reagan suffered through the spectacle of Robert Bork. The Clinton administration was plagued with characteristic indecision and delay before settling on Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer. President George W. Bush had a relatively easy time with the choice of Chief Justice John Roberts, but endured a devastating firestorm over the nomination of White House counsel Harriet Miers, a nomination that ultimately was pulled.

Aides say Obama has been mulling his choices for months and that they plan to move in due course and with precision. If so, that in itself will make news – and could make a White House team that even critics acknowledge moves with impressive cohesion seem all the more well-equipped to do the nation’s business.

Building a team

What Obama does not seem to have at the moment is the chance to drastically recast the direction of the court. And that may not be a bad thing, at least politically.

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Souter, despite being nominated by the first President Bush, was a reliable vote for the court’s liberal bloc, so it’s unlikely that there has been any case before the court or particular issue that would receive a different ruling. Obama is likely to swap one liberal for another and those 5-4 cases along ideological lines will likely fall the same way.

While replacing Souter does not give Obama the opportunity to transform the dynamics within the court, it gives him a chance to begin laying a foundation for a future transformation. It seems almost certain Obama will have other picks, even if he is a one-term president.

One Democrat close to the White House characterized the choice as important in setting the tone for other possible high court picks but not determinative in shifting the make-up of the court.

“This is a first-round draft pick,” said the Democrat. “But he’ll get more chances to shape the court.”

Well...well, it's now time for the REAL Odious Obie to stand up and be counted. It'll be interesting to see which flat rock he'll chose to look under for his appointee! We could well see the first Muslim Mulllah appointed to set on the court......perhaps he'll appoint the Rev GD Wright.....!

Obama's got nothing to gain, except how far left his court pick will go, since it's a lib for a new lib shoe in pick. What remains to be seen is just how "far Left" the court pick will be. The vetting process will be easy, prior terrorist activites, okay,,,, an illegal alien, okay you fall into the immigration reform,,,,,,,tax evation okay,,,,, prior drug use okay......World view 1st, USA view 2nd,, okay,,any opintion regarding abortion or stem cell research okay,, cloning and far left scientific research, that's cool too.

Tea Bag Parties, BANNED,,,,,,, Free Speech, NO to Limited if Government Network owned, Private Guns, BANNED.... etc...and, Cover up all religious public statues. All the bells and whistles of super Left Liberalisim rolled into one. And because the DEM Congress is a Party of Spend and Borrow, follow the leader, the court pick will pass easily.

These people aren't pro-life, they're killing doctors! What kind of pro-life is that? What, they'll do anything they can to save a fetus but if it grows up to be a doctor they just might have to kill it?They're not pro-life. You know what they are? They're anti-woman. Simple as it gets, anti-woman. They don't like them. They don't like women.They believe a woman's primary role is to function as a brood mare for the state.

You are absolutely correct.

These are the SAME people who give their kids up to the state to look after.

I am tired of paying for people who cannot afford children or do not want to take care of the children we already have in our country.

Thank you! Besides being the funniest thing I've read in quite awhile, you've completely nailed it. I've always said that when making abortion illegal would make it stop (how realistic----------NOT) I would be prepared to listen, but until then, "keep your rosaries off my ovaries!"

What is it with all the old white men being anti-choice, anyway????????

While replacing Souter does not give Obama the opportunity to transform the dynamics within the court, it gives him a chance to begin laying a foundation for a future transformation. It seems almost certain Obama will have other picks, even if he is a one-term president.

My advice to you Mr. President........is it makes not difference who you nominate.....the right wing whacko's.....

will call them dirty names....and make sure that is is someone one who will help move the court back to the center....